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Beach Eye Care

Multifocal Or Monovision Contact Lenses

Do you require a prescription for near and distance vision?

The clear choice for contact lenses

Anyone who requires a prescription for near and distance vision (bifocals) is a good candidate for blended (mono) vision or multifocal lenses. So, what’s the difference? Monovision is a system in which one eye is focused for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. Since it is your brain (rather than your eyes) that interprets what you see, it selectively learns to focus on the clearer image while suppressing the blurry image.

While we have successfully fit many patients with monovision contact lenses with great results, we feel multifocals are a great alternative for not only our patients who are just starting to notice some difficulty with up close work, but also for our patients who have been experiencing it for several years. Many patients report that with multifocal lenses there is a seamless progression between near, intermediate and distance vision and full use of depth perception. However, we offer both monovision and multifocal lenses at Beach Eye Care and can assist you in choosing the best option for your needs.

Monovision FAQs

How does blended vision work?

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With blended vision or monovision, you wear a contact lens on one eye to correct your distance vision and a contact lens on your other eye to correct your near vision. The lens for distance vision is usually worn on your dominant eye. Your brain learns to subconsciously tune in the image that you want to see at any given distance.
Does this mean I will be seeing with just one eye?

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No. With blended vision both eyes are constantly being used. The peripheral vision in both eyes is not greatly affected; and, in fact, it may be enhanced due to the absence of the glasses frame. Both eyes continuously work together since there is no interruption in the peripheral vision. However, the central vision will be clear in one eye and somewhat blurry in the other when you are focusing at any given distance. The brain learns to suppress or ignore the blurry central vision in the eye that is out of focus.
Will blended vision hurt my eyes?

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No. Some people initially have a slight feeling of strain, distortion, or even mild headache. This is not much different from what happens when you get a new pair of glasses, and it goes away in a short time. The monovision effect does not cause any physical harm to the eyes at all.
How long does it take to adjust to blended vision?

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Some people adapt more quickly than others. While most adapt almost immediately, others take a longer period, from several weeks, to make the adjustment.
Will my vision be as good as if I were wearing glasses?

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For some it is better, for some it is slightly more difficult at near and far distances. Blended vision is a compromise, just as much as glasses are a
compromise. Blended vision allows you to see both near and far without glasses. The alternative is to correct both eyes for distance, but wear reading glasses for near.
Will I still have depth perception with blended vision?

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Yes. Studies have shown that blended vision is a viable alternative for bifocals or reading glasses without significant loss of depth perception.
Can I pass the driver’s license test with blended vision?

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Yes. In most states, the visual requirements for a driver’s license fall well into the visual standards we set for our blended vision patients. However, some patients prefer wearing driving glasses to achieve “extra crisp” distance vision for driving at sunset or on rainy nights.

Multifocal FAQs

How do Multifocal contact lenses work?

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Multifocal lenses offer 3 rings of vision. The outer ring is where your distance vision is located, followed by your intermediate or computer vision in the middle ring. Your near vision is located in the inner ring. These rings are blended to offer a seamless transition from distance to near and back again. Since it is your brain (rather than your eyes) that interprets what you see, it selectively learns to focus on the clearer image while suppressing the blurry image.
Does this mean I will have to move my head around to find the right vision?

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No, they do not work like spectacles with distance vision at the top and near at the bottom. They provide simultaneous vision in all positions and a fuller range of vision in all directions of gaze.
Will I have a hard time adjusting back to my glasses when I remove my Multifocal contact lenses?

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Every form of Presbyopia correction requires adaption and adjustment.
Will my vision be as good as with my glasses?

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While we recommend glasses as your primary choice of vision correction, multifocal lenses will provide an alternative to glasses and may offer less obstruction of peripherial vision.
How long does it take to adjust to Multifocal contact lenses?

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Generally a 2 week trial period is recommended for the patient to adjust to multifocal contact lenses. Sometimes a fine tuning of the vision is necessary.
Will I be able to pass my drivers license test with MultiFocal contact lenses?

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Yes, multifocal contact lenses will allow good distance vision and increase depth perception and peripheral vision.
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